Barlia Robertiana (Loiseleur) GreuteSyn.
Himantoglossum robertianum (Delforge)
The name Barlia Robertiana is still in use although, as the Kythera News and Announcements blog, which republishes the posts of Flora Cytherea, the plant biologist Mr Giannakoulias, P.Delforge announced in 1999 that it is the species Himantoglossum robertianum which is indeed mentioned in the databases as a synonym.
I prefer the name Barlia because it seems to have a wider usage at the moment and it sounds much friendlier to me. As for size, indeed the species mentioned by the amiable Mr Giannakoulias are somewhat taller (10 cm) but not as dense and robust, so I guess it is justified to consider Barlia the “largest” orchid in Europe.
It is well known that the scientific community is divided and conflicting in many areas. I could not and would not want to get involved in such debates at all.
The effort made on the blog Flora Cytherea is to present the species that exist on the island of Kythera, so that we can all get to know them. We do it out of joy and passion and we do not claim neither scientific laurels nor any other kind of reward. Of course every effort is made to ensure that the information published is accurate. In the matter of classification and nomenclature we consult international, authoritative databases of well-known universities. Of course, it is natural that there will be missteps since even the expert scientists themselves do not always seem to agree on such matters.In any case, we thank Mr Giannakoulias for taking the time to inform us.
